Achilles Tear in Debut! Nuggets Suffer Another Blow—Can Jokic Still Win a Championship?

This summer has been rough for the Denver Nuggets. In their first Summer League game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Nuggets faced a significant setback—rookie Dalen Holmes II, their 22nd overall pick this year, suffered a torn right Achilles tendon and is expected to miss the entire next season. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter when Holmes jumped during a defensive play, landed awkwardly, and fell to the ground. He hobbled to the bench and later left the arena on crutches. Before his injury, Holmes played 25 minutes, shooting 4-of-8 from the field and 3-of-3 from three-point range, tallying 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.

Some might argue that Holmes, as a rookie and a 22nd overall pick in a relatively weak draft class, isn’t a major loss. However, Holmes is already considered the Nuggets' biggest addition this summer. At 21 years old (turning 22 next month), he stands 6'8" barefoot with a 7'0" wingspan and plays both power forward and center. He has a solid frame, having averaged 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in his final season at Dayton University, with shooting percentages of 54.4% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range. Holmes' maturity, athleticism, and versatility made him a highly coveted prospect, capable of providing immediate impact off the bench behind Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon.

To secure Holmes, the Nuggets traded their 28th and 56th picks along with two future second-round picks to the Phoenix Suns for the 22nd pick. This trade underscores how much the Nuggets valued Holmes, believing he could be a more effective backup than DeAndre Jordan. Playing alongside a three-time MVP in Jokic would have been invaluable for Holmes’ development. Unfortunately, his Achilles tear means the Nuggets will have to wait another season to see him in action.

Offseason Struggles for the Nuggets

The Nuggets' offseason moves have been puzzling and, at times, frustrating for fans. Last summer, they lost key contributor Bruce Brown, and this year, they saw their sharpshooter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope depart for the Orlando Magic on a three-year, $66 million deal. Unlike with Brown, the Nuggets held Caldwell-Pope’s Bird Rights and could have re-signed him if they offered enough money. Instead, they watched him leave for nothing.

Additionally, the Nuggets made a baffling trade by sending Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets along with three second-round picks, receiving nothing in return. This move seemed solely aimed at shedding Jackson’s $5.25 million salary for next season. These decisions resulted in the loss of two double-digit scorers, leaving a significant gap in the Nuggets' offensive firepower.

One of the few moves that raised eyebrows was the re-signing of DeAndre Jordan to a minimum contract. Despite his close friendship with Jokic and his locker room presence, Jordan's performance on the court has declined significantly. At 35, he played only 39 games two seasons ago and 36 games last season, averaging just 11 minutes, 3.9 points, and 4.4 rebounds per game. His effectiveness has waned, and he is unlikely to ease the burden on Jokic significantly.

On a more positive note, the Nuggets signed Dario Saric to a two-year, $10.6 million contract. Saric, who played as a backup for the Golden State Warriors last season, averaged 8.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 17.2 minutes per game, with shooting splits of 46.6% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. Saric offers decent spacing and some offensive and playmaking ability, making him a potential fit as Jokic’s backup. However, his defensive shortcomings were evident as he was occasionally benched towards the end of last season.

The Impact on the Nuggets' Championship Aspirations

Losing Holmes is a significant blow for a team whose depth has been questioned, especially after back-to-back offseasons of losing key contributors. Holmes was expected to play a crucial role off the bench, offering versatility and energy, qualities that could have been particularly useful during the grind of a long NBA season.

The Nuggets' summer transactions, which seem to prioritize financial savings over strengthening the roster, might undermine their championship ambitions. The Western Conference is as competitive as ever, with teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves retaining their core, and the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder addressing their weaknesses with strategic additions.

While Jokic remains one of the most dominant players in the league, leading the Nuggets to a championship will be a daunting task. The reduced bench strength and the departure of vital contributors like Caldwell-Pope and Brown mean Jokic will need to shoulder even more responsibility. The Nuggets will need other players to step up significantly, especially in a conference where competition is relentless.

The Road Ahead

The Denver Nuggets find themselves in a precarious position. They must navigate the upcoming season without the services of their promising rookie, Dalen Holmes II, while relying on a roster that has lost significant depth and firepower. The focus will inevitably fall on Jokic, whose incredible talent has carried the team thus far, but he cannot do it alone.

The front office’s decisions this offseason suggest a desire to manage financial flexibility, perhaps with an eye on future opportunities. However, this approach might have immediate consequences on the team's performance. To remain competitive, the Nuggets will need to maximize the potential of their current roster, and that includes significant contributions from their role players and newly acquired Saric.

In conclusion, while the Nuggets still boast one of the best players in the world in Nikola Jokic, the road to another championship appears more challenging than ever. The Western Conference is stacked with talented teams, and every setback, like Holmes' injury, makes the climb steeper. Denver's ability to adapt, develop their players, and potentially make strategic moves during the season will be critical in determining whether they can overcome these challenges and compete for a title once again.